"Fripperies and all," laughed Nell.

He took out his watch with a hurried gesture.

"Afraid I can't stay long—"

"Why not?" demanded the Atom.

"Er—I've got to get back—"

"I hoped you had come early so that you could stay a little while," said Nell.

"Oh, I say, did I come round too early?"

"Ted, don't be a goose!"

"Friend, do not put such a horribly inhospitable construction—" began Denis.

"How much?" interrupted Ted.